The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home 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 opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three 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 final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
