đŸ”— Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing Top Spot The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.