Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
