The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes 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 turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
