The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead 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 Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like 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 on the stroke of 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 the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
