Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
