Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
