The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point 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.
