The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to 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 tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
