Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all 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 travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement 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 advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
