The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
