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 was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions 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 encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
