The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.