The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up 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 high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
