The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header 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 set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
