Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they 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 the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder 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 comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
