The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents 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 encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
