The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
