Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing Top Spot

The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate 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 return to Rabat to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.