🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win. Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor. Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery. 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 avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.