Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
