Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing 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 header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
