Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
