Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has shared his thoughts on the late penalty decision that sparked controversy during Nigeria's tense 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nervy Finish Sees Nigeria Through
The match, played on December 28, 2025, saw Nigeria establish a commanding 3-0 lead by the 66th minute. Goals from star striker Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and reigning CAF Best Player Ademola Lookman put the Super Eagles in firm control at the Complexe du Sportif de Fes in Morocco.
However, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia launched a fierce comeback in the closing stages. They scored twice, with their second goal coming from a highly debated penalty awarded after a VAR review. Malian referee Boubou Traore judged that Birmingham City right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball inside the area. Tunisian defender Ali Abdi successfully converted the spot-kick in the 83rd minute, setting up a frantic finale.
Osayi-Samuel's Personal Pain
Speaking to Elegbete TV after the final whistle, Osayi-Samuel expressed his frustration with the pivotal call. He admitted the incident was painful for him personally, as he firmly believed it should not have been a penalty.
"For me personally, it was painful because I didn't think it was a penalty. I've looked back as well. I don't think there's much I can do," the defender stated.
Despite the setback, Osayi-Samuel praised his team's resilience in seeing out the win. "Things like this happen, and you know, we had to fight back and make sure they wouldn't score the third one, and we did that. So it was a good day today," he added. "I think it would have been better if we didn't concede two, but that's football, and we look to the next game."
Coach Chelle's Nightmare and Tournament Progress
The nervy ending also took a toll on head coach Eric Chelle. In comments reported by RFI and Yahoo Sport, Chelle described the final 15 minutes as nightmarish. "Those final 15 or so minutes will give me nightmares... I was going a little bit crazy about what was happening because the players deserved a big game, and it was a test against a big team like Tunisia," he confessed.
The victory secured Nigeria's place in the knockout stage of AFCON 2025, making them the second team to qualify after Egypt. Algeria later became the third team to advance after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0.
The referee's decision, as explained by match officials, was based on the interpretation that Osayi-Samuel's arm was in an unnatural position, making his body shape bigger and blocking the ball illegally.
Nigeria will now face Uganda in their final Group C match on December 30, 2025. A top-place finish could see them begin their knockout campaign at the same stadium in Fes.
