Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager 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 effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

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

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

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.