Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added 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 Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner 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 his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali 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 pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.