đź”— Share this article Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Securing First Place This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period 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, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback. Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.