Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.