Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
