The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.