Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
