🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. 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 comeback. The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.