Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.

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

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable 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, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.