🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest 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 the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery. Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.