Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
