The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second 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 comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
