🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco. The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play. For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach 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 affair. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback. The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.