The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

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

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

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

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.