The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.