The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead 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 Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt 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 morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
