The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
