Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals 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, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
