The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
