🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Clinching Top Spot This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out 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 doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback. Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.