Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
