The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered 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 in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
