The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
