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The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.

Securing Top Spot

The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.

A Nervy Finish

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

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 fightback.

The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.