The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
