Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense 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 leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation 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 straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
