đź”— Share this article The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright. Securing First Place The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Finish Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery. Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.