The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted 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 stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.