The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals 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 tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
