Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 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 one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

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

Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.