The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared 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.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
