The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next 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 transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.