The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.