Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
