Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.