The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
