Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, 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 the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
