The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

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

The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.