🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.