Nigeria secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after edging past Tunisia in an action-packed Group C encounter that produced five goals and a tense finish.
The Super Eagles appeared firmly in control on Saturday night, racing into a 3-0 lead with just over a quarter of an hour remaining and seemingly on course for a comfortable victory. However, Tunisia mounted a spirited late comeback, scoring twice to pile pressure on Nigeria before the final whistle.
Despite the scare, Nigeria held their nerve to confirm progression to the round of 16. Following their earlier 2-1 win over Tanzania, the three-time African champions are now guaranteed a knockout place ahead of their final group match against Uganda on Tuesday. They will face a third-placed team from Groups A, B or F in Fez on January 5.
Tunisia, meanwhile, remain well placed to advance, with a draw against Tanzania in Rabat likely to be enough for them to qualify as runners-up.
Nigeria started the match strongly after head coach Jose Peseiro made two changes, bringing in Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyeka. The Super Eagles dominated early proceedings and created several chances, with Victor Osimhen particularly active in attack.
Osimhen missed multiple opportunities in the opening stages, including a close-range header and a goal that was ruled out for offside. Tunisia struggled to cope with Nigeria’s intensity early on but gradually began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock before the interval when Osimhen powered a header into the net from Ademola Lookman’s cross, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead at the break.
The momentum continued after halftime as captain Wilfred Ndidi doubled Nigeria’s advantage, heading in from a corner to score his first senior international goal. Ademola Lookman then added a third in the 67th minute, finishing a well-worked move to put Nigeria firmly in command.
Just as the game looked settled, Tunisia struck back. Montassar Talbi headed home from a free-kick to reduce the deficit, before Ali Abdi converted a late penalty following a VAR review to make it 3-2 and set up a nervy finale.
Tunisia pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time and created several chances, but Nigeria defended resolutely to preserve the win and seal qualification.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Benin recorded their first-ever AFCON finals victory by defeating Botswana, while Senegal and DR Congo shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Tanzania and Uganda also played out a 1-1 stalemate in Rabat.
