Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
