Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
