Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen 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 pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient 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.
