The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking 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 far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania 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.
