The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.

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

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed 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 early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.