The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header 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 the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
