The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
