The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to 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 turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to play.

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

In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second period 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, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.