The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
