🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested. For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback. The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.