Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

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

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.