The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
