Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi 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 awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs 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 last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
