The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
