Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
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 prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
