The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
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 calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all 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 Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
