🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Securing First Place The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback. The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.