The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort 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 power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
