Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion 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 free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match 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, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.