Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
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.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final 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 travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
