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

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.

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

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was extended early in the second half 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 direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.