🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived 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 appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback. The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.