🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright. Clinching Top Spot The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group 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 either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.