The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt 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 Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle 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.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
