Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
