Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for 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 conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
