The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
