The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
