🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen. Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.