Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
