The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
