🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame. Clinching Top Spot The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.