The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
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 three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
