The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give 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 supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.