Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
