The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick 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.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
