Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
