The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.