Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient 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.
