đź”— Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage 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 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright. Securing First Place The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.