Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely 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.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
