The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring 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 Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
