Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback

The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance 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 Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.

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

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

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

The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.