The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
