🔗 Share this article Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame. Securing First Place The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, 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 seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner. The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback. The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.