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The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

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

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

The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.