The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

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

The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle 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 goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.