Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi 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, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
