The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
