The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.