The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
