The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
