The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
