The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to 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 free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
