The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
