Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 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, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

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

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.