The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

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

Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.