It was Nigeria’s second victory in Group C, but it certainly didn’t come without a few late nerves as Tunisia threw everything at them in a frantic finish.

Nigeria struck first just before the break when Victor Osimhen pounced in the 43rd minute, firing the Super Eagles into a 1–0 lead at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The West Africans came out firing after half-time and doubled their advantage minutes into the second stanza as Wilfred Ndidi found the back of the net to put daylight between the sides.

Victor Osimhen. Photo: X

The pressure told again in the 66th minute, with Ademola Lookman adding a third to seemingly put the contest to bed. But Tunisia refused to lie down. Montassar Talbi pulled one back in the 73rd minute, giving the North Africans a lifeline, before Ali Abdi made hearts race by converting a penalty with just four minutes of regulation time remaining.

Despite the late scare, Nigeria held their nerve and saw out the match to seal a deserved 3–2 victory and progression to the knockout stages.

Elsewhere in Group C, East African neighbours Tanzania and Uganda shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw in Rabat.

In Group D, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a tight 1–1 draw in Tangier, while over in Rabat, Benin edged Botswana 1–0. That result spells the end of the road for Botswana, who can no longer advance to the next round, even if they manage to beat the DRC in their final group match.

The Afcon action continues on Sunday with fixtures in Groups E and F lighting up the schedule.

• 14:30 – Gabon vs Mozambique (Group F) in Agadir
• 17:00 – Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Group E) in Casablanca
• 19:30 – Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Group E) in Rabat
• 22:00 – Defending champions Ivory Coast face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a mouth-watering clash in Marrakech

With knockout places on the line, expect more drama, passion and African flair as the tournament continues to deliver.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek