The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania 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.
