Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
