🔗 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 was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win. The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.