The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty 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 conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
