Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face 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 locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
