The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter 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 header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
