🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing First Place The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.