The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
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 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed 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 extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment 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 ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
