The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of 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, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled 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 Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
