The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation 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 an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
