Nigeria survive late scare to seal last 16 spot
Nigeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a 3-2 victory over Tunisia in Fes, holding off a dramatic late fightback after cruising into a three-goal lead. Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman struck for the Super Eagles before Tunisia mounted a tense finale.
Ndidi’s first international goal and Lookman’s composed finish appeared to put Nigeria out of sight, but Montassar Talbi’s header and Ali Abdi’s late penalty dragged Tunisia back into contention. Ferjani Sassi and Ismael Gharbi both went close in stoppage time, yet Nigeria clung on to secure top spot in Group C.
The result guarantees Nigeria six points and progression as group winners with a game to spare. They will face a third-placed side from Group A, B or F in the last 16, while Tunisia remain on three points and must avoid defeat against Tanzania to advance.
The match unfolded in front of a lively crowd in Fes, with Nigeria’s supporters celebrating what looked like a routine win until the closing stages. Osimhen was central throughout, his movement unsettling Tunisia’s defence, while Lookman’s delivery from the left provided a constant threat.
Key incidents included Osimhen’s disallowed goal for offside in the first half, a VAR check that awarded Tunisia their penalty, and a string of late chances that kept the stadium on edge. Stanley Nwabali was tested repeatedly in the final minutes, but the Nigeria goalkeeper held firm.
Osimhen opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, guiding a header into the bottom corner from Lookman’s cross. Ndidi doubled the lead early in the second half, rising highest to meet another Lookman delivery. Osimhen then turned provider, teeing up Lookman for Nigeria’s third.
Tunisia responded through Talbi, who steered a header past Nwabali from Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick. Their second came after Bright Osayi-Samuel was penalised for handball, with Abdi smashing home from the spot to set up a frantic finale.
The second half saw Nigeria initially in control, dictating play through Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, before Tunisia grew in confidence. Substitutions added energy for the North Africans, who pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser.
Late drama nearly burst Nigeria’s bubble. Sassi’s header flashed wide, Gharbi’s volley bobbled past the post, and the Super Eagles were forced to defend deep as the clock ticked down. Relief was evident at the final whistle as Nigeria escaped with victory.
For Nigeria, the win confirms their status as contenders, joining Egypt in the last 16. With Osimhen in form and Ndidi adding goals to his midfield presence, the Super Eagles will look to build momentum. Tunisia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid a repeat of their 2013 group-stage exit when they face Tanzania in Rabat.