The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
