🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory. The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame. Securing Top Spot The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play. In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.