Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
