The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, 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 the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
