🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio. However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.