The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
