🔗 Share this article

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back 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 awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead 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.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.