Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
