Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
