🔗 Share this article

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.

For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.