The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.