The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. 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 stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

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 travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.