The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw 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 confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
