Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
