Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three 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 Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
