Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
