The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia 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 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, 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 thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
