Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone 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 Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
