The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added 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 First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 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 matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing 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.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
