The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group 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 third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
