The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity 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 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
