Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
