Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
