Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
