The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
