Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
