The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
