Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
