Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post 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 set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
