The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
