Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
