Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
