Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage 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 pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
