The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered 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 clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
