Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, 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 given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest 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 steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
