Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
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.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal 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 delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
