The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
