Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
