The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
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 glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece 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 fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
