Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic 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 seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.