The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed 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 extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.