The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes 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 recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.