The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense 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 equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
