Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
