The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort 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 half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
