The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.