The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
