🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals 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 drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for 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 final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.