Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
