Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
