Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, 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 meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.