🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright. Clinching Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.