Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has reacted to the late penalty decision that allowed Tunisia to score their second goal in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over the Carthage Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking tp reporters in the mixed zone after the thrilling encounter, Osayi-Samuel reflected on the team’s performance, saying, "It was a great win. I think it was a statement win. I think what the Tunisia manager said before the game about he promised that they were going to win was something we took and had to make sure that would never happen and it was a good win."

The match took a dramatic turn in the closing stages, with two late goals heightening the tension.

When asked about the team’s mindset during this period, Osayi-Samuel admitted, "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, you know, but things like this happened and you know, we had to fight back and make sure they wouldn't score the third one and we did that."

The incident occurred in the 84th minute when Osayi-Samuel appeared to handle the ball in the Nigerian penalty area.

Referee Traore Boubou called for a VAR review to determine whether a penalty should be awarded.

Following the review, the referee confirmed the decision, and Ali Abdi successfully converted the spot-kick for Tunisia.

Reflecting on the overall outcome, Osayi-Samuel added, "So it was a good day today. I think it would have been better if we didn't concede two, but that's football and we look to the next game."

With the victory, Nigeria has secured progression to the next round of the tournament.

On the upcoming final group stage match against Uganda, Osayi-Samuel emphasized the team’s focus, saying, "Yeah, I mean it's just as important. Yes, we've qualified, but you know, each game comes with new experiences, you know, and each game we want to give a statement to every team and yeah, we'll be looking forward to the game and making sure we, you know, we play as good as we did today."

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group phase game on Tuesday as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.