The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
