Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away 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.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead 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 set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
