Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

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

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.