The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out 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 the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become 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 looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
