Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
