Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
