The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 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 free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.