The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback

Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing First Place

The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.

In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.

The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.