🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play. 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 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.