The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
