The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
