The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter 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 reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, 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 pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
