The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
