The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.

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

The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.