The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Securing First Place

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.

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

In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, 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 set-piece corner.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

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

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.