Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held 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 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post 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 Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
