Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
