🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win. Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested. In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.