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The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.

Securing Top Spot

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.

In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Finish

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

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

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

The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.

Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.