The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
