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Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance 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 the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.

Clinching First Place

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.

For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.

Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.