The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages 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 chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
