The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
