Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt 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 cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
