Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
