The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each 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 take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
