🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 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 clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish 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 handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Clinching Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.