Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
