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Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off 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 eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.