Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review 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 came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
