Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
