Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
