🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win. Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, Montassar Talbi 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 given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright. Clinching Top Spot This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Finish Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief. What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback. Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.