The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.