Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified 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 set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
