🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested. In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery. Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.