Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
