The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
