The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
