Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a 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 referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
