Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
