Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals 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 drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
