The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
