The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
