The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress 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 encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
