The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes 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 escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side 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 after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
