The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
