The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
