The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback

Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.