Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
