Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
