The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
