🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale. Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing First Place The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group 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 one of Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday. The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback. The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.