Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals 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 tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.