Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
