The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
