Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.