The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress 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 clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw 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 resulted in his previous resignation.
