🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation. The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. However, a Tunisian defender 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 the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame. Clinching First Place The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play. For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor. Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.