🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing First Place The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a effort disallowed 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 delivery. The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.