The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters 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 offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
