The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied 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 Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen 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 fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off 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 avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
