Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock 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 the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
