Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash 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 Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
