Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.