The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
