Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
