🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing Top Spot The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play. In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.