🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move 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 meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.