The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning 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 three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, 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 climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
