The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed 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 far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
