The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
