The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
