The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed 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 strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
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 breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
