🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally 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 pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Clinching First Place This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot 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, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans 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 effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.