David GOMBE
Nigeria survived a late Tunisia scare to reach the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles led the Group C encounter in Fes 3-0 with 17 minutes remaining courtesy of 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 (VAR) review, for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a sensational finale.
Both sides had won their opener in Morocco, with Tunisia cruising 3-1 past Uganda and Nigeria edging 2-1 past Tanzani.
In stoppage time, Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi came close to levelling matters but headed narrowly wide, and there was still time for Ismael Gharbi to bobble a volley past the post.
Victory means three-time Afcon winners 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 last 16 on January, 5th.
Tunisia remain on three points with Uganda and Tanzania on one point apiece after the East African rivals played out to a 1-1 stalemate in the other group C game on Saturday.
The Super Eagles will remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday while Tunisia will return to Rabat to face Tanzania.