🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes 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 set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright. Securing First Place This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday. The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.