The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C 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 reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.

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

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

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

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

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

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.