Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia 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 clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
