The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward 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 cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
