Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender 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 given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
