Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly 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 effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.