Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp 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 goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool 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 confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort 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 advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin 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 pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.