The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.