The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on 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.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
