The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters 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 on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
