Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball 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 equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
