Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but 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 in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
