The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
