Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived 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.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.