The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
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 upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
