The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia 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 Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
