The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi 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 their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
