The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
