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The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
Jessica Romero
A seasoned casino enthusiast and gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games.
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