The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
