Nigeria’s Super Eagles overcame a late scare from Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles to book their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following a tense 3-2 victory in their second Group C encounter in Fes.
The Super Eagles looked in total control for most of the match, racing to a commanding 3-0 lead before the Carthage Eagles staged a spirited late comeback that almost turned the contest on its head.
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After sustained pressure, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough just before halftime when Victor Osimhen expertly headed home a cross from Ademola Lookman. José Peseiro’s men maintained their momentum after the restart, with Wilfred Ndidi doubling the lead from another Lookman assist, before the Atalanta forward registered his name on the scoresheet to make it 3-0 in the 67th minute.
Tunisia, however, refused to go quietly. Montassar Talbi pulled one back in the 74th minute, injecting renewed belief into the North Africans, who continued to press forward with intensity. Their persistence paid off when Bright Osayi-Samuel handled the ball in the area, leading to a VAR-awarded penalty that Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nervy finale.
Despite the late pressure, Nigeria held firm to secure all three points and guarantee qualification to the knockout stage.
Earlier in the day, Uganda and Tanzania settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving both nations on a point each heading into the final round of fixtures. Uganda will next face Nigeria, while Tanzania take on Tunisia on Tuesday.