Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball 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 their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent 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 first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter 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, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period 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 Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.