The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense 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 equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.

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

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead 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 his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.