Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
