Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
