The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs 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 affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite 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 point against Tanzania 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.
