Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.

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

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for 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 tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The key incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.