The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish 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 check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool 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 Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach 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 transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
