The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
