The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.