The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
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 keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
