Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm 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 came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.