Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents 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 encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny 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 led to his previous resignation.
