Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
