Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
