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Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying 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 close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs 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 straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
Shane Waters
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