The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
