The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance 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 the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six 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 one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
