Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning 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 in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
