The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group 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 either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
