The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
