Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
