Nigeria held off a late Tunisia fightback to reach the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday evening.
The Super Eagles led the Group C encounter in Fes 3-0 with 17 minutes remaining through goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman before Montassar Talbi’s header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick pulled one back for the North Africans.
Tunisia were then given a late penalty, following a video assistant referee review, for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came close to a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time when captain Ferjani Sassi headed narrowly wide, and there was still time for Ismael Gharbi to bobble a volley past the post.
Victory means Nigeria move on to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a game to spare, and will face a third-placed side from Group A, B or F in the next round.
Tunisia remain on three points with Uganda and Tanzania on one point apiece after the East African rivals drew 1-1 earlier on Saturday.
The Super Eagles remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday (16:00 GMT), with Tunisia returning to Rabat to face Tanzania at the same time.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
