The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
