Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
