The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 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 Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation 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 straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger 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 Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
