🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco. The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to play. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring 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.