Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. 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 stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia 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.
