The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 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, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
