Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow 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 the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point 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.
