🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win. Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation. The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly 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 effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.