Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
