The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish 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. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
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 half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
