The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
