The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
