The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents 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 Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
