Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
