The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning 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 encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed 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 header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
