đź”— Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory. The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio. However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame. Securing Top Spot The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play. In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery. The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback. The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; 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 resulted in his departure.