Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
