Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
