The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
