The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt 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 clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are 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 final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali 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 Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
