The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
