Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.

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

The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.