Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Securing First Place

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.