The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally 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 pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
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 check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
