The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
