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The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes 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, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.

The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.