The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.