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

The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.

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

Clinching Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, 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 previous tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement 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 extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.