The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
