Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.