🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright. Clinching First Place This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play. In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.