Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
