The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
