The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot 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 the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
