Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second 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 last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon 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, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
