The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, 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 the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.