Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
