Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt 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 comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.