The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
