Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header 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 corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
