Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker 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 soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
