Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place 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 Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker 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 period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece 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 came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
