The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
