Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation 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 breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
