Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia 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 cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.