Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either 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 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon 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 seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
