Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like 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 opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
