The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt 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 pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages 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 opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
