The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
