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The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans 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 offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
Kenneth Bell
A tech strategist and writer passionate about digital transformation and emerging technologies.
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