Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
