🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win. Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation. The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright. Clinching First Place This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback. The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.