The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
