The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.

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

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.