The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
