Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match 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 three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty 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 is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
