The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
