Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally 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 seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
