The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside 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 period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
