The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper 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, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
