The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.