The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
