The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining 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 escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
