Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
