Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
