The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying 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 powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient 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.
