The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate 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 forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
