The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.