Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
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 Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay 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
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
