Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
