Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining 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 turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
