Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
