The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
