The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate 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 recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
