The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, 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 awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting 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 ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.