The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

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

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders 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 Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.