Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents 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 encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
