The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
