🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win. The three-time champions survived a stunning 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 appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Securing Top Spot This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.