🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win. Nigeria weathered 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 seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright. Clinching First Place The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play. For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.