Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of 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 free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
