Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
