Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
