đź”— Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.