Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
