Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia 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 Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.