The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
