The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
