🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame. Securing Top Spot This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point. Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery. The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback. The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.