🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone 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 pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.