🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance 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 clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit 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 awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright. Clinching Top Spot The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.