Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents 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 cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
