The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
