Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes 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 turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
