Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty 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 set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, 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 be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
