The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable 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 repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
