The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
