The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress 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, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team 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 straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
