The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
