Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

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

The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

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

Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.