Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
