The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
