The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
