Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
