The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking 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 bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
