Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia 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 cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen 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 bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
