The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
