The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
