Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
