The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out 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 cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; 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 led to his departure.
