Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt 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 in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans 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 create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
