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

The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

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

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.