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The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.

Securing First Place

This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.

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

Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.

The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.

Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.

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

Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.

Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.