Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning 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 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
