Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
