🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 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, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested. In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross. The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback. The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.