Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
