The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit 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. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
