🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Securing First Place This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point. Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.