The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed 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 delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore 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 recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.