Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team 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 morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
