The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted 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 directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans 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 an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
