Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.