The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
