Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.

Clinching First Place

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

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

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.