The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
