The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals 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 recovery.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

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

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.