Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
