The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
