The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post 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 his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
