Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
