Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back 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 their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to play.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.