The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
