🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory. Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright. Securing Top Spot This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.