The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
