Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to 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 recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed 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.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment 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 the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
