The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion 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 recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
