The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

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

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

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

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.