The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
