The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions 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 cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
