Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared 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 remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards 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 reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
