🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco. The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.