The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 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 encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
