The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress 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 Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania 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 departure.
