The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions weathered 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 seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.