Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
