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

The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring 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 keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.