The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
