The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
