The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.