Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
