Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.