The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
