Nigeria booked their place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense three two victory over Tunisia in a Group C encounter played on Saturday night at the Stade de Fes in Morocco.
The Super Eagles, who had already opened their campaign with a narrow win over Tanzania, needed a result to secure top spot in the group and delivered it despite a late surge from Tunisia that tested their resolve in front of more than 25 000 spectators, most of them backing the North Africans.
Victor Osimhen broke his tournament duck late in the first half, rising between defenders to head home Ademola Lookman’s cross from the left after missing earlier chances. Nigeria’s dominance continued after the interval, with captain Wilfred Ndidi doubling the lead moments after the restart by heading in another Lookman delivery, this time from a corner.
Midway through the second half, Osimhen turned provider. After collecting a pass from Alex Iwobi, the Napoli striker drove into the box, drawing three defenders before squaring the ball for an unmarked Lookman, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to make it three nil.
Tunisia, however, refused to fold. Poor marking at a free kick allowed Montassar Talbi to head in a response in the 74th minute, shifting the momentum. With three minutes of regulation time remaining, Ali Abdi converted a penalty following a contentious decision, reducing the deficit and setting up a nervy finish.
Nigeria were forced to defend deep during seven minutes of stoppage time but managed to hold on, collecting their second win of the tournament and confirming first place in Group C. The result means Eric Chelle’s side will face one of the best third placed teams in the last sixteen of the twenty four team competition.
After the match, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle admitted the closing stages were difficult to endure. He said the final minutes were unsettling given how well his team had controlled large portions of the game against a Tunisia side that had gone through World Cup qualifying without conceding a single goal.
Both teams had come into the clash with victories on matchday one, Nigeria beating Tanzania two one and Tunisia dispatching Uganda three one. Nigeria will wrap up their group campaign on Tuesday against Uganda, while Tunisia take on Tanzania as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.
The match in Fez underlined Nigeria’s attacking quality through Osimhen and Lookman, while also exposing areas that will need tightening as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.
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