The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
