The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
