The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
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 tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key 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, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
