Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
