Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 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 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement 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 early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.