Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs 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 last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
