🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.