đź”— Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. The three-time champions survived 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 appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright. Securing Top Spot The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback. Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.