Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
