04 Jun 2026
The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.