Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment 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 Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
