The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point 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.