The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

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

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

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

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.