Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
