Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside 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 early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
