Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.

For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle 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 glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

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

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.