The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
