🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.