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

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

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group 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 the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.