Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to 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, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense 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 equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.