The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
