Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
