Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
