The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted 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 stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came 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 the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
