The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
