The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.

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

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.