The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
