The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress 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 encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
