The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
