‘It was painful’ — Super Eagles star laments AFCON penalty decision against Tunisia

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has spoken candidly about the controversial late penalty that allowed Tunisia back into Nigeria’s dramatic 3–2 win at AFCON 2025.

Despite the decision, the wing-back insisted the victory was a statement result that buttressed Nigeria’s intent in the tournament.

Nigeria appeared to be cruising after building a three-goal lead, but the match took a tense turn in the closing stages as Tunisia struck twice to set up a nervy finish.

Central to the drama was an 84th-minute penalty awarded against Osayi-Samuel for a handball inside the box, a decision that was confirmed after a VAR review and converted by Ali Abdi.

Reflecting on the incident, Osayi-Samuel admitted the moment was difficult to accept. “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,” he said, before stressing the importance of composure. “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.”

Despite his frustration, the defender praised the team’s resilience in seeing out the result under heavy pressure from the Carthage Eagles.

Speaking after the game, Osayi-Samuel described the victory as a strong response to pre-match talk from the Tunisian camp. “It was a great win. I think it was a statement win,” he said, explaining that comments from Tunisia’s coach had further motivated the Super Eagles.

While acknowledging Nigeria could have defended better late on, he remained upbeat about the overall outcome. “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,” he added.

With qualification now secured, attention turns to Nigeria’s final group game against Uganda, which could turn out to be a formality.

Osayi-Samuel made it clear the Super Eagles are not easing off, insisting every match is another opportunity to send a message as they continue their pursuit of a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.