The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side 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 one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
