Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia 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 cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.