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The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, 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 side from either Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

An Anxious Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point 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.