The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal 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 cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
