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

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour 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 free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to play.

For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.