Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.