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

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

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

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.