Osimhen Fires Nigeria Through as Mane Saves Senegal

Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane lived up to their star billing on a high-octane Saturday at the Africa Cup of Nations, as Nigeria officially booked their place in the knockout stages. While the Super Eagles celebrated a hard-fought qualification in Fes, Mane’s Senegal edged closer to the Round of 16 after a gritty stalemate in Tangiers.

Nigeria became the second team to secure a last-16 berth, following Egypt, after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia. Victor Osimhen spearheaded the charge, netting his second AFCON career goal just before the break, while captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman added further gloss to a dominant opening hour.

However, the three-time champions nearly capitulated during a frantic finale as Tunisia launched a spirited late rally. Goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi set up a nervous period of stoppage time, but the Super Eagles held firm to move to six points at the top of Group C.

Elsewhere, Sadio Mane rescued a vital point for Senegal in their 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After Cedric Bakambu had stunned the Teranga Lions with an hour-mark opener, Mane struck back almost immediately to keep his side atop the group standings on goal difference.

The day’s drama was rounded off in Rabat, where a 1-1 draw between Tanzania and Uganda left both sides facing a steep climb to qualify. Allan Okello’s late missed penalty for the Cranes spared Tanzania further heartbreak, leaving the chasing pack in Group C with everything to play for in the final round.