Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately 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 their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
