The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

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