Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage 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, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
