Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
