The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted 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 captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left 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 remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
