The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
