The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.