The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 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 encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate 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 consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.