Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured 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 stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
