Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
