Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
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 on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
