Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

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

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

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 fightback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.