The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.

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

In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

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

Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.