🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery. The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright. Securing Top Spot The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play. In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture. The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock 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 Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.