The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia 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 cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
